What is Environmental Systems and Societies?
Per the IB Environmental systems and societies guide:
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"ESS is a complex course, requiring a diverse set of skills from its students. It is firmly grounded in both a scientific exploration of environmental systems in their structure and function and in the exploration of cultural, economic, ethical, political, and social interactions of societies with the environment. As a result of studying this course, students will become equipped with the ability to recognize and evaluate the impact of our complex system of societies on the natural world. The interdisciplinary nature of the course requires a broad skill set from students and includes the ability to perform research and investigations and to participate in philosophical discussion. The course requires a systems approach to environmental understanding and problem-solving, and promotes holistic thinking about environmental issues. It is recognized that to understand the environmental issues of the 21st century and suggest suitable management solutions, both the human and environmental aspects must be understood. Students should be encouraged to develop solutions from a personal to a community and to a global scale.
Through the exploration of cause and effect, the course investigates how values interact with choices and actions, resulting in a range of environmental impacts. Students develop an understanding that the connections between environmental systems and societies are diverse, varied and dynamic. The complexity of these interactions challenges those working towards understanding the actions required for effective guardianship of the planet and sustainable and equitable use of shared resources." |
Environmental systems and societies guide: first examinations, 2017. Geneva, Wales: International Baccalaureate Organisation, 2015. Print.
Calendar
Testing InformationIn ESS you have both an 'External Assessment' and an 'Internal Assessment'. For more information on your internal assessment (IA) please go to that tab in the drop down menu. Your external assessment is made of two written papers that will be 75% of your final grade. You will need a calculator for both papers.
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Environmental systems and societies guide: first examinations, 2017. Geneva, Wales: International Baccalaureate Organisation, 2015. Print.
